Rollable mat for allowing vehicles to pass, the mat having distinct pockets

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a mat ( 10 ) suitable for being rolled up and having a longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse direction (T), the mat having at least first and second pockets ( 20; 20′ ) extending in the transverse direction of the mat, each of the first and second pockets being defined between at least a first portion ( 22, 22′ ) and a second portion ( 28, 28′ ) fastened to the first portion. 
     The invention is characterized by the fact that the first portion of each pocket presents a free lateral end edge ( 26, 24′ ) placed facing the other pocket and extending in the transverse direction of the mat, the free lateral end edge ( 26 ) of the first portion ( 22 ) of the first pocket ( 20 ) being spaced apart from and distinct from the free lateral end edge ( 24′ ) of the first portion ( 22′ ) of the second pocket ( 20′ ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mat that can be rolled up and that is configured to enable vehicles, individuals, or animals to pass over a rough surface such as, for example: a path having ruts formed therein, or ground that is muddy, boggy, or indeed sandy.

In particular, the invention finds numerous applications in the humanitarian field, making it possible to access difficult locations in the field of airports by enabling an airplane to taxi on the ground, or enabling an aircraft to land on rough terrain, or on soft terrain, without running the risk of the aircraft becoming bogged down, or in any other field in which there is a need to allow vehicles, individuals, or animals to pass over terrain that is rough and/or unstable.

Various types of surface coverings are known in the prior art that are configured for enabling travel on such rough terrain.

For example, coverings are known that are constituted by parallel metal slats that are hinged together.

Nevertheless, in order to be strong enough to be capable of withstanding the passage of vehicles, for example, such coverings are generally heavy. In addition, they are usually bulky, such that they occupy a significant amount of space while they are not in use. Furthermore, they are generally difficult and expensive to produce, because of the materials used and because of their dimensions.

Also known is Document FR 2 976 598, filed by the Applicant, which discloses a mat constituted by superposing first and second plies that are coated in layers of elastomer. That mat presents a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction and it has first and second pockets extending in the transverse direction of the mat, each of the first and second pockets being defined between at least a first portion and a second portion fastened to the first portion, the first portions of the first and second pockets forming parts of the first plies and the second portions of the first and second pockets forming parts of the second plies.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is, amongst other things, to solve the above-described shortcomings of known coverings by proposing a mat that is capable of being rolled up, that is strong, and that occupies a limited amount of space while it is not in use, while also making it possible, when rolled out, to allow traffic to pass over a rough surface.

This object is achieved by the fact that the invention provides a rollable mat in which the first portion of each pocket presents a free lateral end edge placed facing the other pocket and extending in the transverse direction of the mat, the free lateral end edge of the first portion of the first pocket being spaced apart from and distinct from the free lateral end edge of the first portion of the second pocket.

By this provision, the mat can easily be rolled up to present limited bulk while it is not in use. Furthermore, the weight and the cost of fabricating the mat are thus reduced compared with a mat in which the first portions of the first and second pockets form parts of a single piece.

The pockets are configured to receive respective stiffener devices so as to increase the drivability and the load-bearing capacity of the surface when the mat is positioned on said rough surface.

Preferably, the pockets are through pockets so as to enable the stiffener devices to be inserted and withdrawn.

The invention is described below in a series of variant embodiments that may be considered singly or in combination with one or more of the preceding embodiments.

Advantageously, at least one of the first and second portions comprises a textile ply.

Advantageously, the textile ply is a woven fabric.

By this provision, it is possible for the mat to be flexible without compromising its strength.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second portions includes a first face covered in a layer of polymer.

Advantageously, the polymer is an elastomer; it is also possible to make provision for the first face or indeed both faces of one and/or the other of the first and second portions to have present thereon any other material, such as rubber, that presents advantageous properties in terms of breaking elongation and grip, it being possible for the two faces to be covered in two materials that are distinct or that are identical.

Thus, the strength of the mat is further improved; in addition, by means of this characteristic, the mat provides a satisfactory grip coefficient between firstly the means for enabling a vehicle or an individual traveling on the mat to move and secondly the mat and the surface on which it is placed.

In advantageous manner, in a first embodiment, the second portion of the first pocket and the second portion of the second pocket comprise a single piece that extends between the first and second pockets.

By this provision, fabrication of the mat is simplified, the first portions of the first and second pockets being arranged on and fastened to the piece constituted by the second portions of the first and second pockets.

Preferably, the piece comprises a textile ply.

Advantageously, the textile ply is a woven fabric.

In advantageous manner, the piece includes a first face covered in a layer of polymer.

The polymer is preferably an elastomer; it is also possible to make provision for the first face of the piece, or indeed both of its faces, to have present thereon any other material, such as rubber, that presents advantageous properties in terms of breaking elongation and grip. The two faces may be covered in two materials that are distinct or that are identical.

Advantageously, in a second embodiment, the second portion of each pocket presents a free lateral end edge placed facing the other pocket and extending in the transverse direction of the mat, the free lateral end edge of the second portion of the first pocket being spaced apart from and distinct from the free lateral end edge of the second portion of the second pocket.

By this provision, the weight of the mat is further reduced, its flexibility is improved, and consequently the space occupied by the mat while it is not in use is also reduced.

In advantageously manner, each of the first and second portions of the first pocket includes a first face covered in a layer of polymer, the free lateral end edges of the first and second portions being fastened together.

Preferably, the free lateral end edges of the first and second portions are vulcanized together. Fastening may also be performed, by way of example, by adhesive, welding, or any other mechanical means.

The first and second pockets are thus made strongly and their strength is increased.

Advantageously, the mat includes a junction element connecting the first pocket to the second pocket, said junction element being fastened to the free lateral end edges of the first portions of the first and second pockets.

By this provision, different materials may be used firstly to form the junction element and secondly to form the first and second portions defining the first and second pockets. The mat can thus present characteristics in terms of strength and flexibility that are matched to the stresses to which its various portions are subjected.

In advantageous manner, the junction element comprises a textile ply.

Preferably, the junction element comprises a ply of woven fabric; it could also comprise any other sheet material, such as a metal plate, a plate made of composite material, a grid capable of presenting stiffness properties appropriate for the use to which the mat is put, . . . .

The junction element may thus be adapted to the use for which the mat is intended, where its conditions of use may require the junction element to have specific properties.

Advantageously, the junction element includes at least one perforation.

Preferably, the junction element has a plurality of perforations.

By this provision, in particular when the mat is used in wet conditions, it does not run the risk of being damaged by a liquid such as water stagnating on the junction element while it is in use. Water can thus flow through the perforations. The presence of a perforation also makes it easier to store the mat when it is not in use, by making it easier to expel soft material such as sand or earth that might be covering the junction element after it has been used.

In advantageous manner, the junction element has a first face covered in a layer of polymer.

Advantageously, the polymer is an elastomer; it is also possible to make provision for the first face of the junction element, or indeed both of its faces, to have present thereon any other material, such as rubber, presenting advantageous properties in terms of breaking elongation and grip. The two faces may be covered in two materials that are distinct or identical.

In advantageous manner, the junction element presents an end margin sandwiched between the first and second portions of the first pocket.

By this provision, the junction element is securely fastened to the first pocket, the connection between the first pocket and the junction element not constituting a zone of weakness that might compromise the overall strength of the mat.

Preferably, each of the first and second portions of the first pocket includes a first face covered in a layer of polymer, the junction element and the first and second portions of the first pocket being vulcanized together.

Vulcanization makes it possible to further improve the strength with which the junction element is fastened to the first pocket; it is also possible to use any other fastening method, such as adhesive bonding, welding, or any other mechanical means.

Advantageously, the mat includes a first face covered in a layer of polymer.

In advantageous manner, the polymer is an elastomer; it is also possible to make provision for the first face of the mat, or indeed both of its faces, to have present thereon any other material, such as rubber, that presents advantageous properties in terms of breaking elongation and grip. The two faces may be covered in two materials that are distinct or that are identical.

Preferably, the first portion of the first pocket extends over all or part of the width of the mat.

By this provision, it is ensured that the stiffener device is held in the pocket, there being no risk of the stiffener device escaping accidentally from the pocket while the mat is in use.

Advantageously, the first portion of the first pocket is made up of a plurality of sheath elements that are spaced apart from one another.

Thus, the quantity of material needed for forming the first pocket can be limited, thereby enabling the weight of the mat to be reduced. In addition, the presence of spaces between the consecutive sheath elements also makes it easier to engage a stiffener device in the pocket and makes it easier to withdraw it, since the user can guide the movement of the stiffener device through these spaces.

In advantageous manner, the distance considered in the longitudinal direction of the mat between the first and second pockets is longer than the width of the first portion of the first pocket.

This makes it easier to roll the mat up, thus making it possible to limit the space occupied by the device when it is not in use.

Preferably, the mat further includes at least one stiffener device inserted in each of the first and second pockets.

The presence of the stiffener device thus makes it possible to improve the load-bearing capacity of the mat when it is used on a soft or rough surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention appear more clearly and more completely on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the following accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a first embodiment of the mat of the present invention, respectively when rolled out and when rolled up;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the mat of FIGS. 1A and 1B seen from the side;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams showing two variants of the mat of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing a second embodiment of the mat of the present invention, respectively when rolled out and when rolled up; and

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a variant of the mat of FIGS. 5A and 5B in side view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a first embodiment of a mat 10 of the present invention.

The mat 10 has a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T. The mat 10 also has first and second faces 12 and 14 that are opposite from each other.

The mat 10 presents a plurality of pockets 20, 20′, 20″ extending in the transverse direction T of the mat 10.

For example, and in non-limiting manner, the pockets 20, 20′, 20″ are through pockets being configured in such a manner as to receive respective stiffener devices 21, 21′, 21″; the stiffener devices 21, 21′, 21″ may for example be cylindrical in shape and may be made of a strong material such as a composite material, steel, wood, . . . .

Each of the pockets 20, 20′, 20″ is defined between a first portion 22, 22′, 22″ and a second portion 28, 28′, 28″, which portions are fastened to each other and define an inside volume.

Each of the first portions 22, 22′, 22″ presents first and second free lateral end edges 24, 24′, 24″ and 26, 26′, 26″.

By way of example, and in non-limiting manner, the free lateral end edges 24, 24′, 24″ and 26, 26′, 26″ are parallel to each other and extend in the transverse direction T of the mat 10; for example and in non-limiting manner, the transverse direction T is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the mat 10.

As can be seen, in particular in FIG. 2, the free lateral end edges 26, 24′ of the first portions 22, 22′ of two consecutive pockets 20, 20′ are thus arranged facing each other and they are spaced apart and distinct.

By way of example and in non-limiting manner, the first portions 22, 22′, 22″ extend across the entire width of the mat 10; it would naturally be possible to design a mat 10 in which the first portions 22, 22′, 22″ extend over a fraction only of the width of the mat 10, without going beyond the ambit of the present invention.

By way of example, the first portions 22, 22′, 22″ comprise a ply of textile, such as woven fabric; in alternative manner, or in combination with a textile ply, they could also include a layer of polymer arranged on one and/or the other of their faces.

It is also possible to design a mat 10 in which the first portions 22, 22′, 22″ comprise in alternative manner or in combination with the preceding elements, a sheet of material such as a sheet of polymer.

In the embodiment of the mat 10 shown in particular in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the second portions 28, 28′, 28″ of the pockets 20, 20′, 20″ constitute a single piece 34 that extends between the various pockets 20, 20′, 20″.

For example and in non-limiting manner, the piece 34 comprises a textile ply; it is also possible to design a mat 10 in which one or the other of the faces of the piece 34 is covered in a layer of material, such as a layer of polymer material.

It can thus be understood that the first portions 22, 22′, 22″ of the pockets 20, 20′, 20″ are fitted onto the piece 34 in the transverse direction T of the mat 10.

By way of example and in non-limiting manner, the free lateral end edges 24, 26, 24′, 26′ of the first portions 22, 22′ are sewn, stapled, adhesively bonded, or fastened by any other means onto the piece 34 constituted by the second portions 28, 28′ of the pockets 20, 20′.

Assuming that the first portions 22, 22′ and the piece 34 all include at least one layer of polymer on their faces facing each other, it is also possible to design a mat 10 in which the free lateral end edges 24, 26, 24′, 26′ of the first portions 22, 22′ are vulcanized onto the piece 34.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, it can be observed that when the mat 10 is viewed in longitudinal section, the pockets 20, 20′, 20″ are formed by at least two distinct layers respectively constituted by the first and second portions 22, 22′ and 28, 28′, whereas the portion extending between two consecutive pockets 20, 20′ presents a number of layers that is strictly smaller; specifically, the pockets 20, 20′ are constituted by two superposed layers while the portion extending between two consecutive pockets 20, 20′ has only one layer.

By these provisions, in addition to the significant saving of material that such a characteristic makes it possible to achieve, the mat 10 as shown in particular in FIG. 1B can be rolled up more easily, e.g. so as to reduce the volume it occupies when it is not in use. The stiffener bars 21, 21′, 21″ may either be kept in the pockets 20, 20′, 20″ when the mat is rolled up, or they may be inserted in the pockets 20, 20′, 20″ after the mat 10 has been unrolled, as shown in FIG. 1A.

By way of example and in non-limiting manner, as shown in FIG. 3, one or more additional layers 36, 38 of material, such as a polymer material, may be arranged on one or the other of the first and second faces 12 and 14 of the mat 10; adding such layers of material thus serves to reinforce the mat 10 without compromising its flexibility. In addition, the presence of such materials on the faces 12 and 14 of the mat 10 make it possible to form imprints, thereby further improving the drivability and the load-bearing capacity of the surface on which the mat 10 is to be laid.

By way of example and in non-limiting manner, the layers of material 36 and 38 are adhesively bonded or vulcanized onto the faces 12 and 14 of the mat 10.

FIG. 4 shows another variant embodiment of the mat 10 of the present invention.

In this variant, the first portions 22, 22′, 22″ of the pockets 20, 20′, 20″ are constituted by pluralities of sheath elements 23, 23′, 23″, with the sheath elements 23, 23′, 23″ being fastened to the piece 34, e.g. by welding, adhesive bonding, or vulcanizing.

This variant makes it possible to further reduce the quantity of material needed for making the mat 10; by leaving gaps between two consecutive sheath elements 23, 23′, 23″ of a first portion 22, 22′, 22″, it also presents the advantage of making it easier to insert and remove the stiffener devices 21, 21′, 21″ into and from the pockets 20, 20′, 20″.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing a second embodiment of the mat 110 of the present invention.

In similar manner to the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the mat 110 has a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T.

It also has a plurality of pockets 120, 120′, 120″ suitable for receiving respective stiffener devices 121, 121′, 121″.

Furthermore, the pockets 120, 120′, 120″ are also defined between first portions 122, 122′, 122″ and second portions 128, 128′, 128″; each of the first portions 122, 122′, 122″ presents two free lateral end edges 124, 126, 124′, 126′, the free lateral end edges 126, 124′ of consecutive pockets 120, 120′ are arranged facing each other and they are also spaced apart and distinct from each other in similar manner to the first embodiment.

Furthermore, the second portions 128, 128′, 128″ of the pockets 120, 120′, 120″ also have free lateral end edges 130, 130′, 132, 132′, the free lateral end edges 132, 130′ of two consecutive pockets 120, 120′ placed facing each other likewise being spaced apart and distinct from each other.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 5A, which is a partially exploded view of the mat 110, the free lateral end edges 124, 126, 124′, 126′, 130, 132, 130′, 132′ are fastened together by mechanical fastener means; by way of example and in non-limiting manner, the free lateral end edges are sewn, adhesively bonded, or stapled together.

By way of example and in non-limiting manner, the first and second portions 122, 122′, 128, 128′ comprise respective textile plies; they may also be covered in a layer of polymer on one and/or the other of their faces, with the presence of a layer of polymer then enabling the free lateral end edges to be vulcanized together to form the pockets 120, 120′.

Furthermore, the mat 110 has a plurality of junction elements 140, 140′, 140″ connecting together consecutive pockets 120, 120′, 120″.

For example and in non-limiting manner, the junction elements 140, 140′, 140″ comprise respective textile plies, e.g. of woven fabric; they may also include at least one perforation serving to discharge material such as water or sand that might be located on the junction element 140, 140′, 140″.

By way of example and in non-limiting manner, the junction elements 140, 140′, 140″ may comprise, for example, metal plates, or plates of composite materials, grids, or any other element suitable for being used to make a support making it possible to travel over ground that is soft or rough.

The junction elements 140, 140′, 140″ present first and second margins 142, 142′, 142″ and 144, 144′, 144″; they also have first and second mutually opposite faces 146, 146′, 146″ and 148, 148′, 148″.

By way of example and in non-limiting manner, one or the other of the faces 146, 146′, 148, 148′ of the junction elements 140, 140′ is covered in one or more layers of a material such as polymer.

As can be seen in particular by observing FIG. 5A, the end margins 142, 142′, 144, 144′ of the junction elements 140, 140′ are sandwiched between the first and second portions 122, 122′, 128, 128′ of the pockets 120, 120′.

By way of example and in non-limiting manner, the end margins of the junction elements 140, 140′ are screwed, adhesively bonded, welded, or vulcanized to the first and second portions of the pockets 120, 120′.

It would naturally be possible to design a mat 110 having first and second portions of the pockets 120, 120′ that are fastened directly to each other, the end margins 142, 142′, 144, 144′ of the junction elements 140, 140′ then being fitted against one or the other of the outside faces of the first and second portions of the pockets 120, 120′.

The term “outside face” of the first and second portions is used to mean the face thereof that is opposite from its face facing the corresponding portion; in other words, it is the face configured to be placed on the rough or soft surface or to be in contact with the vehicle or user traveling on the mat when it is rolled out.

In similar manner to the first embodiment described above, it can be seen that when the mat 110 is considered in its longitudinal direction L, the portion extending between two consecutive pockets 120, 120′ presents a number of layers that is strictly less than the number of layers presented by the pockets 120, 120′, with such an arrangement enabling the mat 110 to be rolled up, as shown in particular in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6 shows a variant of the mat 110 of the present invention in which the junction element 140 connecting together the pockets 120 and 120′ presents a plurality of perforations 150. These perforations serve among other things to discharge any liquid or other material stagnating on one of the faces of the junction elements, while also enabling the weight of the mat 110 to be reduced.

In a manner similar to the variant of the mat 10 shown in FIG. 3, it is possible, without going beyond the ambit of the present invention, to design a mat 110 in which one or the other of its faces is covered in a layer of a material such as a polymer material.

As shown in particular in FIGS. 2 and 6, when considered in the longitudinal direction L of the mat 10, 110, the distance d between consecutive pockets 20, 20′, 120, 120′ is greater than the width l of the first portions 22, 22′, 122, 122′ of the same pockets 20, 20′, 120, 120′.

It is also possible to design a variant of the mat 110 of the second embodiment in which the first portions 122, 122′ are constituted by a plurality of spaced-apart sheath elements in a manner similar to the mat 10 shown in FIG. 4.

The above description is given by way of example, and is therefore not limiting on the invention.

In particular, without going beyond the ambit of the present invention, it is possible to design a mat that combines different materials together in order to form the first and second portions of the pockets, and alternatively the piece extending between the pockets or the junction elements connecting two consecutive pockets together, in such a manner as to obtain a mat that can be rolled up and that is configured to enable vehicles or people, for example, to travel on a surface that is rough or unstable. It is also possible to design a mat comprising a superposition of different layers of textile and of material of polymer type stacked one on another.

It is also possible to design a mat constituted by portions made from the various embodiments described above and connected together by mechanical junction means. In the same way, in the above-described embodiments, the pockets formed in the mat are through pockets and they are configured to receive stiffener devices of cylindrical section; it would naturally be possible, without going beyond the ambit of the present invention, to design a mat in which the ends of the pockets are closed, so as to hold the stiffener devices in place. The pockets could also be shaped, by way of example and in non-limiting manner, to receive elongate plates constituting the stiffener devices. 

1. A mat suitable for being rolled up and having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, the mat having at least first and second pockets extending in the transverse direction of the mat, each of the first and second pockets being defined between at least a first portion and a second portion fastened to the first portion, wherein: the first portion of each pocket presents a free lateral end edge placed facing the other pocket and extending in the transverse direction of the mat; and wherein the free lateral end edge of the first portion of the first pocket is spaced apart from and distinct from the free lateral end edge of the first portion of the second pocket.
 2. The mat according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second portions comprises a textile ply.
 3. The mat according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second portions includes a first face covered in a layer of polymer.
 4. The mat according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of the first pocket and the second portion of the second pocket comprise a single piece that extends between the first and second pockets.
 5. The mat according to claim 4, wherein the piece comprises a textile ply.
 6. The mat according to claim 4, wherein the piece includes a first face covered in a layer of polymer.
 7. The mat according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of each pocket presents a free lateral end edge placed facing the other pocket and extending in the transverse direction of the mat, and wherein the free lateral end edge of the second portion of the first pocket is spaced apart from and distinct from the free lateral end edge of the second portion of the second pocket.
 8. The mat according to claim 7, wherein each of the first and second portions of the first pocket includes a first face covered in a layer of polymer, the free lateral end edges of the first and second portions being fastened together.
 9. The mat according to claim 7, wherein it includes a junction element connecting the first pocket to the second pocket, said junction element being fastened to the free lateral end edges of the first portions of the first and second pockets.
 10. The mat according to claim 9, wherein the junction element comprises a textile ply.
 11. The mat according to claim 9, wherein the junction element includes at least one perforation.
 12. The mat according to claim 9, wherein the junction element has a first face covered in a layer of polymer.
 13. The mat according to claim 9, wherein the junction element presents an end margin sandwiched between the first and second portions of the first pocket.
 14. The mat according to claim 9, wherein each of the first and second portions of the first pocket includes a first face covered in a layer of polymer, the junction element and the first and second portions of the first pocket being vulcanized together.
 15. The mat according to claim 1, wherein it includes a first face covered in a layer of polymer.
 16. The mat according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the first pocket extends over all or part of the width of the mat.
 17. The mat according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the first pocket is made up of a plurality of sheath elements that are spaced apart from one another.
 18. The mat according to claim 1, wherein the distance considered in the longitudinal direction of the mat between the first and second pockets is longer than the width of the first portion of the first pocket.
 19. The mat according to claim 1, wherein it further includes at least one stiffener device inserted in each of the first and second pockets. 